Matthew Harold Howard, 43, of Milan, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at St. Luke’s on the Plaza in Kansas City.
Matt was born on March 4, 1982, in Marshalltown, Iowa to Harold Howard and Jo Ann (Clark) Rodman. Matt spent his early childhood in Marshalltown before moving to Missouri and living in Adair and Sullivan County for most of his life. In 2017 he married Beth Howard and she survives of the home. Also surviving are two sons; Blake Howard (Lydia) of Kirksville, Missouri and Lucas Howard (Cassidy) of Springfield, Missouri, two step daughters; Rachel Wood (Mitch) of Green City, Missouri and Jessica Miller (Nathan) of Milan, Missouri, grandchild; Ezmay Howard, step grandchildren; Ellie Miller and Morgan Wood, three sisters; Kristi Mason (Rick) of Novinger, Julie Drake (Chris) of Johnston, Iowa and Ashley Eiler of Kirksville, Missouri, brother-in-law; Allan Harris of Milan; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents and brother, Scott Howard.
Matt worked at Smithfield in Milan for 18 years before then working at Kraft Foods in Kirksville for 3 years. He then went on to work for the USDA in the area. He loved being outdoors, especially fishing and turkey hunting. He also loved to watch his boys play sports and spend time with his family.
Funeral services for Matt will be held at 1:00PM on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan, Missouri. A visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Matt’s honor are suggested to Mt. Zion Cemetery.